A Special Community Recognition at the Kiwibank Invercargill Branch

At Awarua Synergy, we often talk about the power of community, collaboration, and collective impact. A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of experiencing that first-hand at the opening of the newly renovated Kiwibank Invercargill branch.

The morning began with a beautiful karakia led by Rev. George Coleman and supported by Sonny Tonihi. The occasion was made even more special with Sumaria’s daughter, Classic, supporting the whakawātea, creating a meaningful connection between whānau, community, and the significance of the day.

As part of the opening, Kiwibank officially unveiled a meeting room named after Awarua Synergy General Manager, Sumaria Beaton-Sikisini, in recognition of her 2024 Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist award.

While the room carries Sumaria’s name, this recognition represents far more than one person. It reflects the dedication, commitment, and passion of countless people who have contributed to improving the wellbeing of Southland families over many years.

For nearly two decades, Awarua Synergy has worked alongside homeowners, tenants, landlords, community organisations, funders, health providers, local councils, iwi, and industry partners to help create warmer, drier, healthier homes across Murihiku Southland. Through insulation, heating, ventilation, education programmes, workshops, and advocacy, the goal has always remained the same: supporting healthier homes and healthier communities.

This recognition is also a tribute to the many staff members, past and present, who have played a role in the journey. Every home assessed, every insulation install completed, every workshop delivered, and every family supported has contributed to the positive impact being recognised today.

We are incredibly grateful to Kiwibank for celebrating local people who make a difference within their communities and for acknowledging the importance of healthy homes as a foundation for wellbeing.

On behalf of the entire Awarua Synergy team, thank you to everyone who has supported our mission over the years. Whether you’ve been a customer, partner, funder, volunteer, contractor, advocate, or supporter, you have helped make this work possible.

Together, we will continue striving towards our vision of Warming and Eco-Powering Our Deep South and supporting whānau to live in homes that are warm, dry, healthy, and energy efficient.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has been part of the journey. 

The room may carry one name, but the impact belongs to a community.